Not thinking, not feeling, not doing; but being.

Many people believe that if they invest their years improving how they think, how they feel and what they do life will be better.  For the christian however,  it goes much deeper than this. It’s about who we are. Our thoughts, feelings and actions are important but they do not define us. We are defined by who we are...the reality that we are created in the image of God, broken yet reborn through amazing grace.

Once you begin new life with your identity found in Jesus Christ; perspectives change. It’s not so much about the number of years we live on the earth but how we live them in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Most evenings as I drift off to sleep I pray a short simple prayer and give thanks for my family. I will then pray these words ‘Lord use me or take me home.’ Those 7 words are a frightening yet potent prayer. In truth some evenings I think, if I were God I’d just bring me home! There are better people for the task than me. I’m not doing a very good job... yet each morning as I awake my spine stiffens. The Lord has kept me alive for a reason. I’m alive in Him and this truth propels me forward in confidence to finish the mission and fulfil the upward call. The very creator of the universe has answers my prayer and chosen to keep me alive for a purpose.

Some years ago I decided to build my life around three purposes. They help me to focus on clear objectives each day:

1, To accelerate the mission of God.

2, To give my family the best experience possible.

3, To keep myself reasonably fit. 

Today I will set these before me once again. Remembering that what I think, feel or do does not define me or measure my success; It’s about being. I am alive in Christ Jesus. 

My pray for each of you is that you will enter into the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ and be found in him. 

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you

The Christian Church in action

The Christian Church in action

If I had the money to fund and co-direct a movie it would be on this glorious topic. It would be an alarming contrast to the pathetic atheistic world-view that all religion is poisonous. 

Truth: The Christian church is the unsung hero again, and again and again.

This morning at 5am the first e-mail of the day arrives in my inbox. From Fire Fighters for Christ calling for a second emergency response team to Hurricane Harvey relief. These teams are formed from firefighters around the world who assist after earthquakes, hurricanes and other emergencies. By 8am I had further 2 e-mails giving updates on christian aid around the world. 

Indeed if we took time to look at the response of the church and christian mission both historically and now we would be astonished at the immense difference it makes.

The church (universal) is the biggest operation in the world. It has more ‘outlets’ that any other organisation and continues to be the major source of social services like schooling, medical care, disaster relief, food and water aid and moral and spiritual wellbeing.

It is estimated that the Christian church gives $45 billion to oversees mission and aid each year, not to mention the  local support in summer clubs, drop-in cafe’s etc. 

In the U.K even a brief look at the incredible impact and support of para-church organisations such as FOODBANK (who gave out over 1 million emergency food parcels last year) and CAP (who help over 20,000 people each year with free debt help, job clubs etc) lets us see what a remarkable community for good the church is. 

For those who feel the world would be a better place without the church: think again. The Church feeds more hungry people, cared for more orphans, frees more slaves, opens more water wells, visits more sick people than any organisation in the world.

Though chaplaincy support in prisons, universities, sport, military, schooling, emergency services etc the church offers support and wellbeing to billions; yes billions of people around the world.

Importantly we encourage, educate, mobilise and inspire a whole new generation of young people to help those in need. In our own ministry (Crown Jesus), we have inspired young people who responded by giving tens of thousands to feed the hungry, support anti-slavery, sponsor children in poverty, dig water wells, set up small business in the rural villages in India etc.

How many young Christians from Northern Ireland served communities at home and around the world in the summer months? I would suggest 10,000 and more! 

Recent research (Wilson and Csikszentmihalyi) States that on average, religious believers are more social, feel better about themselves, use their time more constructively,  engage in long term planning better that non-believers. On a moment by moment basis, they report to being more happy, active, sociable and involved. 

On a humorous note Christians tend to have more children than atheists (doesn't bode well for their evolutionary theory that the strongest survive).

Additionally in his book ‘Is faith Delusional?’, Professor Andrew Sims states ‘The advantageous effects of religious belief is one of the best-kept secrets in psychiatry and medicine generally. If the findings of the huge volume of research on this topic had gone in the opposite direction and it had been found that religion damages your health, it would have been front page news in every newspaper in the land. 

The effects of the christian church is continually correlated with well-being, happiness, life-satisfaction, hope and optimism, purpose and meaning of life, higher self-esteem, better adaption to bereavement, greater social support, less loneliness, Lower rates of depression, faster recovery from depression, lower rates of suicide, less anxiety, less psychosis, lower raters of alcohol and drug use, less delinquency and criminal activity and greater marital stability. 

That doesn't sound like lazy, self indulging, manipulative trouble makers that would be better off in the history books? 

In closing: 

Two points: 

1, The church isn't perfect: It’s made up of imperfect people who have made terrible mistakes (I’ve mentioned this in a recent post) and there is no defence. But lets be clear: The Christian church when it follows the teaching of Jesus does an immense amount of good. 

2, I didn’t become as christian to join a social revolution. I become a christian because a believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross for my sin and through believing in Him I can be born again finding meaning and purpose in life.  Almost 25 years on I am more convinced than ever that Jesus is the son of God and immensely blessed to be part of His local church. 

Truth: My faith in Jesus is not motivated by me getting from earth to heaven but bringing heaven to earth.

Jesus Christ calls the Church to action. Let’s finish the mission!

It's Friday but Sunday's coming.

It’s Friday, Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, the disciples are hiding, Peter is denying, Judas is betraying. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, those six trials by night have been a sham, and the king of Glory is weary and tired. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spat upon. His beard is torn from his face. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, the Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. A scarlet robe placed upon has torn back as the mock the King of King. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, see Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, see those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and wrists of my Lord. The agony is beyond words. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying next to criminals. But Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, the sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry… but Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday and at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming...

It’s Friday, the earth trembles, the sky grows dark, my Jesus absorbs the wrath of God for the sins of the world and dies, but Sunday’s comin’.

It’s Friday, hope is lost, death has won and Satan’s justlaughin’. But he don’t know, Sundays comin’

It’s Friday, Jesus is buried in a tomb, the stone is rolled over the entrance and two soldiers stand guard. Fear, regret and worry grips what is left of his followers. But Sunday’s comin’.

People… It is only Friday. Sunday is a comin’!

It’s Friday…But let me tell you something Sunday’s comin’

 

Today is Friday and many people will go on with their busy lives, they will accept the holidays from work, the chocolate eggs and party invites yet they will pay little or no attention to Jesus death on the cross. They will shrug their shoulders at his death; perhaps it has no relevance to them, maybe they will accuse him of being a mythical figure, a delusional Jewish boy or merely a good man or prophet. Some will just avoid the truth that they know deep inside because they are afraid of change; they might as well be made of the same chocolate they enjoy eating...

 

What about you? Show some courage today. Just stop for a moment to read and reflect upon the most significant three days in the history of the world. No politician, army, nation or religious leader has affected the world like Jesus. The very date on your newspaper points to his life, death burial and resurrection. IF this Jesus is the son of God you cannot ignore him any longer. He deserves more. 

You will never understand the significance of Friday until you embrace the power of Sunday. If Jesus did not rise from the dead then our faith, our hope is lost. So let me remind you… Sunday’s comin’. Show up at a bible believing church and discover the peace, the joy, the glory, the liberty, the hope, the love, the power of Sunday.

 

 

…Sunday’s comin’. 

 

Church Membership?

Why should you consider church membership? 

Context: This was intended as a little handout for our connect group at CFC. We thought we would post it as a helpful resourse to others. 

 Amanda and I both believe that church membership is something every Christian should prayerfully consider. 

Many people switch off to the idea and are quick to point out that Jesus never spoke about membership, neither did the apostles. Whilst this is true we must remember that we are looking at a church in its infancy. As it matured there is clear evidence of membership in early Christian writings. It’s worth noting that the first Christians were Jews and thus already were “members” of the Jewish faith and Christianity was not considered a separate religion.  “Becoming a Christian” was for them a matter of belief and baptism—believing that Jesus was  the promised Messiah of Israel and identifying with him.   The Jews already had a strict behavioural code; they needed no instruction on the existence of one God or even on how to respect authority, give of their time, money, energy and prayers—in many ways the Jewish lifestyle was stricter than the Christian standard would be.  As the Church expanded so did the challenges of engaging new cultures. Evangelists to the Jews had it easy when it came to behaviour—most Jews already behaved, or at least knew how to behave.  The gentile “dogs” were very different.  They were called dogs by the Jews because they had the morals of a wandering dog. It soon became clear that there was a need for some mechanisms for instruction and support as these new Christians where baptised and joined the local church… it is here that early evidence of membership began to develop. By 200 A.D church membership programmes where in operation in preparing new converts for baptism. 

Amanda and I moved church for the first time in 2014. It was not an easy decision and one that took months of prayer and conversations. We knew it was not a matter of God calling us out of a church but God calling us to a new church family and a new chapter. We had been members of our previous church since we had come to faith around 20 years ago. When we finally made the decision to join C.F.C. (October 2014), we became members within a matter of weeks.  Why? It was a natural response from our hearts to say… we belong here, this is our new home.  

Here are a few thoughts and reasons why Amanda and I think you should consider church membership.

1, it is a wonderful tool to assist in your discipleship. Christianity is not a spectator sport or activity you participate in in isolation. Your discipleship develops best when belonging to a community.

2, it makes a statement that you are committed to your local church, its leadership, vision and values.

3, it allows you to identify yourself clearly and publically to your church. It’s a public declaration that says ‘this is my team, my family.’ 

4, it improves communication within the church. There is often  a channel of communication which can only be accessed by members, it is for good reasons and helps with levels of confidentiality. When you join any organisation, including the church, channels of communication should become much clearer and more accessible.

5, it creates more opportunities for you to serve in the Church. Service should not be exclusive to members however responsibilities such as leading home groups, eldership, home visitation/pastoral care is best kept to those members who are committed to the vision and values of the church. 

6, your commitment as a member helps the church leadership plan for the future.  It’s impossible for a leadership to plan if no one is committed to the vision and values. If everyone avoids responsibility and commitment no team or organisation can thrive.

7, membership has little or no special privileges other than the privilege of responsibility. One of the greatest dangers in the church today is the crazy gang of freelance Christians who hop for church to church and display none of the characteristics of a ‘good and loyal solider.’ (2 Tim 2:3). Taking up responsibility is to keep rank, show loyalty, play your part in the battle and help carry one another’s burdens. (Gal 6:2). Membership carries expectations and responsibilities that we should not shrink back from. Many do not become members because the want to avoid these two words and yet they are the essential building blocks of spiritual maturity.

8, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25), so should we love her and give ourselves to her. Too many people today ‘date the church’, some even ‘date’ two churches at once. They attend one church in the morning and a different one in the evening. They get the best of both churches but no church community gets the best out of them. Membership is a little bit like a marriage, it gives us an opportunity to say ‘This is my church, I feel responsible for her. I am committed to her mission, vision and ministry. I want to serve God here and grow in my faith.’

9, the church is the body of Christ. Membership brings a connectedness to the body which helps us function in our gifting and support others exercise their gifts.

10, church is a family and membership says to everyone in the family, I love you; I want to be identified with you as my brothers and sisters. It places value on individuals by demonstrating acceptance to each other and saying ‘I want to journey with you’.

11, by becoming a member you are presenting four gifts to the church: Time, money, energy and prayers. I can’t think of better way to spend these gifts than into the local church. 

12, Accountability: membership to a local church places us in a healthy place of accountability. Honouring the authority of the lead team and living in community with them, agreeing to live by certain established godly principles and standards will safeguard us from bad doctrine and choices. It honours what God has already established and demonstrates our commitment to each individual as well as the bigger organisation. 

As you consider membership please remeber it  is not about exclusivity, superierity, position or  rights; it much more about responsibility, service and commitment. 

The next course on exploring mebership  is on Monday 22 February at 7.30pm in the Ark Room, CFC East Belfast.

https://thisiscfc.com/activity/exploring-membership/

The Cross

Thought for the day:

Truth: We're all broken and messed up and because if this we are separated from God who is not broken and messed up. 

Jesus is perfect, he committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth (1Pete 2:22)  yet he became sin for us. In his death he absorbed the wrath of God that you and I deserved.

If God where not just there would be no demand for Jesus to die… he would just let us all off the hook, we could live as we please and he would let us all into heaven. That would be nice. But God isn't nice... He is just and loving.

If God did not love us there would be no willingness for his son to suffer and die. But God is both just and loving. Therefore his love is willing to meet the demands of his justice. 

And so God sends his own son to absorb his wrath and bear the punishment we deserve. 

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

Rom 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

I'm writing this 6am on Monday. My favourite day of the week and our first opportunity to live out the lessons of yesterday's Church experiences...

Rom 6 1-2 MSG

So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good?

Hugs 

Mitch 

Praying for peace. Praying for Paris.

Heartbroken to hear the news over the last number of hours.

Acts of war against the innocent is a reminder of how evil man can become.

As a Christian I am ashamed of many of our ancestors who did NOT act in the Spirit of Christ against Muslims, Jews and Catholics. True Christianity renounces the advantage of religion by means of violence. 

Christians are called to love not hate and to die not to kill in order to show the world a better way.

Jesus said 'My kingdom is not of this world' 'If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting' (John 18: 36)

Those who led crusades, built the camps and took up arms never understood Calvery love.

Jesus didn't kill to save a culture, he died to save a world.

How should the world respond? I don't have all the answers, you might not agree with my view... I'm just an ordinary guy trying to embrace an extra ordinary God.

How will I respond? I will pray for our enemies and bless those who persecute.

As a Christian Im part of a different kingdom with different rules. Im not born once, I'm born twice; and that is a game-changer.

P.S

Do me a little favour... Don't post a reply. I'm too fragile...

The cost of the Cross

Looking forward to speaking at #HUB.  Invite a friend as we look at the cost of #TheCross. 'Showered with spit, bleeding, naked, bruised and dying, the price has been paid and you are worth it.

Yet for multiplied millions it is an empty investment, a wasted sacrifice. They fear hidden costs, don't trust it will work, avoid reading the contents label and carry on in ignorance. They esteem the entire transaction as worthless and reject it outright. The Cost of the cross is commercial rather than spiritual. They place no value on their soul and eternity is meaningless. 

But what about you? What do believe? Join us at HUB on 28th November, invite a friend and let us help you see a little clearer what it cost. It's my deep desire that with the Spirits help you may find yourself responding to the investment #Jesus made in your salvation.' Mitch

The Extra Mile

Click below to hear part two of our series at CFC Belfast Entitled 'EXTRA' 

The Extra Mile: Speaker - @MitchBelfast

https://soundcloud.com/crown-jesus-ministries/the-extra-mile-speaker-mitch

 via @cfcbelfast

Share Jesus: Let's do it for our District. #HungerGames

Looking forward to preaching on this theme over November 2014 

I'ts Easter Sunday!

It’s Sunday. The needle scratches to a halt on the turntable, the party balloons bursts and the demons scatter into the corners.

It’s Sunday. Wormwood putts down the shutters at the bar and Screwtape reaches for his notebook; this was not in the plan. 

It’s Sunday and Satan now stands alone on the dancefloor… party hat tilted and eyes wide open the shining handsome prince now almost Gollum like as he crouches and stares in horror towards the tomb.

It’s Sunday. The King of Glory fills his lungs with air, his heart pounding with adrenalin, his eyes fixed and focused as Sarayu twirls and giggles singing spiritual songs. 

It’s Sunday the sound of the stone rolling away reverberates around the tomb as the sun, still low on the horizon, shines into the tome as if wanting to get a  first glimpse of the risen Lord. 

Outside has been dark, empty and eerie… shadows had filled the void and even the trees seemed to bow their branches in homage, but that was Friday; this is Sunday.

Jesus stands and walks composed from the tomb, every step seems to be focused and balanced as he enters into the garden like a gladiator. He lifts his face towards the sun and pauses; the warmth on his flesh, the smell of spring; he lifts his once wounded palms towards heaven and smiles.  There is silence, the angels stand around the garden like warriors returning from battle.  Anticipation fills the air as Jesus speaks just one word from his smiling face.  ‘Abba.’

It’s Sunday and celebrations fill heaven as angels rise up in victory; there has never been a more important victory in all of history. Man has done his worst as sin had left Jesus for  dead, absorbing the wrath of God on a cross; his back tore open, his hands and feet nailed, his lips cracked and swollen…He was dead…but that was Friday. 

It’s Sunday and Jesus the all-time undisputed champion of love turns towards the shadows in the hedges… he wipes his lip and looks at his hand; there is no blood. He stands tall, Sarayu stands at his right and an angel at his left. They await the words of a Champion… ‘Was that you best punch?’

All of heaven breaks loose in cheers as Satan goes flying, the demons are crying and the soldiers are lying; it’s Sunday.

It’s Sunday. Jesus has risen indeed! He has paid our ransom, provided the basis for our justification, flung wide the doors of prayer, our sins forgiven and our condemnation shattered in a billion broken pieces. 

It’s Sunday. Jesus has stretched out his arms and embraced us in love inconceivable, immeasurable, incredible, invincible and irresistible.

The full wealth of amazing grace is available to us: uncalculating, unchanging, unshrinkable, unstoppable, unlimited, unmasked, unparalleled and undeniable. 

The empty tomb gives hope to the hopeless, comfort to the broken, strength to the weak, identity to the confused, clarity to the misunderstood and courage to the fearful.

He has made a way for us to enter into a right relationship with the Father; given us confident access into the Holy of Holies, eternal life, adoption into the very family of God, liberated us from fear, secured our righteousness and joy.

It’s Sunday.  He has poured out the fullness of God on those who receive him as Saviour, Lord and King. The Holy Spirit power of the Gospel is unleashed for every tribe and tongue.

It’s SUNDAY, we are united in him a band of brothers and sisters around the world joined by the resurrection.  We no longer live but Christ lives in us…Today we are his followers, we are united because the tomb is empty. Because it’s SUNDAY we can join together with Sarayu and giggle and dance and sing spiritual songs.

‘It is true! The Lord has risen’ Luke 24:34

Notes:

Sarayu is the name given to the Holy Spirit in ‘The Shack’

Woomwood and Screwtape are demons from’ The Screwtape letters’.